Re: [pct-l] Light ice axe

["Brett Tucker" <blisterfree@hotmail.com>]

Grivel makes their Air Tech Racing (Mont Blanc) axe, which has an aluminum 
shaft and cromoly head (for strength), and which in the shortest length 
(53cm?) weighs in at 12.5 ozs. Costs about three times the one below, but is 
certainly a robust axe for all seasons, as well as a work of metallurgical 
art. At least until the paint begins chipping away as usual. This axe 
received very little use in the Sierra last summer, and that is exactly why 
I'm glad I had this type of axe. Lightweight and functional. I "didn't know" 
it was there when in stowage, yet I "knew" it was there when in hand. And I 
knew that carrying an axe was the right decision, even though the snowpack 
was minimal. Glen Pass surprised me, but not as much as the folks I saw 
trying to cross it with ski poles. An arresting sight.

- Blisterfree


>From: Eskie user <sfox@eskimo.com>
>To: PCT-L <pct-l@edina.hack.net>
>Subject: [pct-l] Light ice axe
>Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2000 22:24:25 -0800 (PST)
>
>I used one of those Camp aluminum ice axes (about US$40 from MEC) for much
>of last year's trips. Although it isn't good for serious climbing, I think
>it works fine for something like a PCT hike. The axe isn't approved by the
>UIAA. It weighs about a pound. Not the lightest, but close and certainly
>an affordable option. The paint is no good on it. I chipped off most of it
>in only one season. I'm pleasantly suprised how well the adze held up
>digging some cat holes and chopping ice a few times. I figured it wouldn't
>be strong enough for such "abuse".
>
>Note that there are aluminum axes that are approved and weight slightly
>less.
>
>
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